Slow Cooker Balsamic-Ginger Chicken Lettuce Cups

The slow cooker shouldn't just be the bastion of rustic stews and brawny meats — you can also use it to create tender, light fare, like this tangy Asian-styled chicken spiced with ginger, garlic, and brown sugar.

Total Time: 7:15

Prep: 0:15

Level:
Easy

Serves:
4

Ingredients

¼ c. brown sugar

¼ c. balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce

1 tbsp. grated fresh ginger

2 clove garlic

¼ tsp. crushed red pepper

1½ lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs

¾ c. long-grain white rice

1 orange

2 scallions

1 small head Boston lettuce

Directions

In a 5- to 6-qt slow cooker, combine the sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and red pepper (if you prefer more spice, use 1/2 tsp here). Add the chicken and turn to coat. Cook, covered, until the chicken is cooked through and very tender, 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high.

Twenty-five minutes before serving, cook the rice according to package directions.

Meanwhile, cut away the peel and white pith of the orange. Cut the orange into thin half-moons and place in a medium bowl. Fold in the scallions.

Using two forks, gently shred the chicken into medium pieces and stir into the cooking liquid. Fill the lettuce leaves with the rice and top with the chicken and the orange mixture.

Tips & Techniques

The balsamic-ginger sauce is just as tasty with beef or pork. Use flank steak (cut crosswise into 2-in.-thick pieces; shred after cooking) or pork shoulder (trimmed and cut into 2-in. pieces; add 1 hour to the cooking time).